My Pages

Saturday, 18 August 2012

I wondered why
Jesus never told a parable of the prodigal friend, He did tell one of a
prodigal son and the redeeming power of fatherly love despite the failings of that
son who justifiably should have been consigned to the scrapheap.

The story of
realisation and reconciliation is both profound and deep; it is however amazing
how that could easily be seen in real life.

As I thought on
this, I realised there was no need for a parable of the prodigal friend because
friends have a particularly practical significance that is either of clear
dedication or sad betrayal.

The involved friends

The practical
example of this friendship was demonstrated at a meeting Jesus had in a house
where he was teaching, the house was so crowded full of the Pharisees and
scribes that no one else could have access.

A lame man had four
of his friends help him to that venue, no doubt with the view to having the miraculous
power of Jesus heal him. When they could not get into the house, they climbed on
the roof, removed the roofing tiles and let their friend down into the midst of
the crowd in the presence of Jesus.

As the story goes,
Jesus saw their faith and with that he told the lame man his sins were forgiven
and he should pick up his bed and walk, which he promptly did to the marvel all
present to see the miracle and the consternation of those who debated the issue
of forgiveness of sins.

What was clear was
what the friends did to contribute to the lame man’s access to healing, most
importantly, they wanted him fit and able as themselves than for him to be limited
in his interaction with them – a prodigal friend of sorts.

The Prodigal Brother

Conversely, what is
said of the brother of the prodigal son is interesting that I am inclined to
call him the prodigal brother by reason of the fact that he had status,
opportunity and privilege but failed to realise any of that until when he
noticed the merciful and loving expression of his father to his brother.

What he always had
with his father but never deigned to live in the fullness of, led to his nursing
resentment, anger and offence at what was so avoidable if he had availed
himself of the standing and the reality of who he was.

Friends can stick closer
than a brother, a friend showed such great love that he laid down his life for
his friends. It is a matter of character and personality to find friends who
are ready to bear you down in your bed into the presence of the biggest miracle
of your life – friends are experience and much more but we need discernment to
determine true friends from fair-weather friends or just mere acquaintances.

For those who have
felt betrayed by those they call friends, have mercy and keep the ones that do
really care. For there comes a
time when friends do matter, because then, we are totally helplessand
needful of them.

Note:The first
publication of this blog was full of errors, I probably should have left
writing it until the morrow, but I was determined to get it out. In any case,
my friend @zebbook on Twitter noticed the poor editing and discreetly informed me of the poor copy. I hope I have repaired the damage; else, I’ll have another
look when the daze of my pills wears off. Thanks Bukola.